HomeScionScion tC
2013 Scion tC

Used 2013 Scion tC

3.6
rating
Expert
4.4
rating
Consumer
Write a Review
Save this car
2013 Scion tC Exterior: 0
2013 Scion tC Exterior: 1
Exterior (27)
2013 Scion tC Interior: 0
Interior (32)
2013 Scion tC All Media: 1

View All Media

2016
2013
Fuel Economy
26 combined mpg
Horsepower
180 hp
Engine
4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter
Cargo Volume
14.7 cu ft
Next Steps: Shopping for this car?
See Cars for Sale

2013 Scion tC Review

KBB Editors

Updated December 23, 2019

Our editors drive and evaluate hundreds of new cars every single year, turning thousands of miles and countless hours behind the wheel into helpful reviews, ratings, and comparisons. They also have lives outside of work, or so they think. You’d be surprised what you can learn by hauling a dirt bike, hunting for a wayward sippy cup, or just packing the trunk full of groceries.

Pros

Scion’s attractive pricing combined with Toyota’s reputation for dependability makes the 2013 tC coupe compelling for anyone looking for a fun coupe with reasonable amenities. The aftermarket offers a lot for Scion vehicles, allowing for maximum customization on a minimal budget.

Cons

Depending on the performance you expect, particularly from a sporty-looking coupe, the 2013 Scion tC may leave you underwhelmed (as past models have). Acceleration, response and handling precision are rather average, and even the Release Series 8.0 package isn’t much better.

What's New?

After a major design in 2011, the 2013 Scion tC coupe is little changed in base form but as usual, a new up-level trim, called Release Series 8.0 this year, is added to the line. It’s a striking, limited-production (2,000 units) configuration. Available only in Absolutely Red with black trim, 8.0 combines styling touches from Five Axis and performance parts from Toyota Racing Development (TRD).

Scion is Toyota’s youth-oriented division and the tC coupe has historically been its best-selling model. The car’s appeal lies in spirited styling, lots of features, surprisingly good audio systems for the price and freedom to personalize the car. Actual over-the-road performance may not live up to everyone’s expectations, with modest horsepower and soft suspension, but it’s entirely adequate for a city and suburban runabout. As is becoming an annual tradition, the tC gets a special-edition upgrade package, called Release Series 8.0 for 2013, that gives it a stronger personality. With starting prices around $20,000, the 2013 Scion tC offers a lot of style and a good bit of attitude for the money, and seems destined to continue as the Scion clientele’s favorite.

2013 Scion tC Pricing

2013 Scion tC pricing starts at $6,171 for the tC Hatchback Coupe 2D, which had a starting MSRP of $20,929 when new. The range-topping 2013 tC Release Series 8.0 Hatchback Coupe 2D starts at $11,718 today, originally priced from $24,069.

Original MSRP
KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
$20,929
$6,171
$24,069
$11,718

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2013 Scion tC models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.

Driving the Scion tC

The driving experience has always been the biggest source of debate over the Scion tC, and the 2013 tC coupe is unlikely to settle any arguments. The clutch in the 6-speed manual transmission is both light for daily commute convenience and precise for quick shifts. But road manners and chassis feel are uninspiring, with rather vague steering and soft suspension. Low-rpm engine response is quite good but revving out the 2.5-liter four generates only average thrust. Compared to other coupes in its class, it’s not nearly as powerful or capable, though for city driving it’s probably good enough for most buyers. The Series Release 8.0 package includes firmer, lower springs (and paddle shifters for the automatic) that help a little.

Interior Comfort

The 2013 Scion tC earns its keep with a smart interior that offers exceptional comfort and a convenient control layout. The driver’s seat is adjustable enough for all shapes and sizes, and rear-seat passengers will be surprised by the amount of room they actually have. Dials and instrument clusters have a round theme that is pleasant and manages to be Spartan without looking like anything is missing. A 60/40-split folding back seat allows trips to actual supermarkets, not just convenience stores.

Exterior Styling

The 2013 Scion tC, with its more angular roofline and big lower grille, makes a stronger visual statement than the first generation did. Where other, smaller coupes in its class can look excessively what-you-see-is-what-you-get, the tC coupe looks aggressively playful. The tC also looks fast, which has helped turn millions of young eyes to it over the years. The Release Series 8.0’s Five Axis body pieces accentuate this, and the Absolutely Red paint color is brilliant.

Favorite Features

PIONEER SOUND SYSTEM
That such a thorough audio setup is standard on a $20,000 coupe is just flat-out great. The Bluetooth connectivity is easy enough to work with and the sound quality itself is excellent.

BUILD YOUR OWN
Personalization is a consistent Scion theme, and between the factory and the aftermarket, it’s easy to make your tC really your tC. There are many forums, groups and clubs dedicated to Scion customization.

Standard Features

The 2013 Scion tC carries great youth-appeal cred with standard equipment that includes 18-inch wheels and the impressive Pioneer sound system. That sound system is HD Radio capable and you can connect your phone to it, as long as you’re running Bluetooth 2.0 or higher. There are two microphones in the ceiling-light array to help facilitate use of the hands-free phone option. Toyota’s Star Safety System is also standard and features eight airbags and traction and stability control along with active front headrests.

Factory Options

From the factory, 19-inch wheels are available for the 2013 Scion tC, as are a Bespoke audio upgrade, rear spoiler and sportier TRD springs and anti-roll bars. The Release Series 8.0 package includes a body kit from Five Axis, center exhaust with a TRD sport muffler, lower TRD springs and paddle shifters (with the automatic). Aftermarket options for the 2013 Scion tC are as extensive as they are for all other Scion models.

Engine & Transmission

All Scion tC trim levels carry a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. Both manual and automatic transmissions are 6-speed units. The automatic downshifts well enough, but upshifts can feel a little lazy. The manual transmission’s clutch could be accused of being soft but the bolt-action precision of its shifter largely offsets that concern.

2.5-liter inline-4
180 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
173 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg


What did you think of this review?

More About How We Rate Vehicles
Advertisement

2013 Scion tC
KBB.com Consumer Reviews

4.4
Consumer Rating
Based on 99 Consumer Reviews
Write a Review
88%Recommend this vehicle
5
63%
5
63%
4
29%
4
29%
3
1%
3
1%
2
2%
2
2%
1
5%
1
5%
Value
4.5
Performance
4.5
Quality
4.3
Comfort
4.4
Reliability
4.7
Styling
4.4

Trending Topics in KBB.com Consumer Reviews

Advertisement

2013 Scion tC Styles

Style
Price
Combined Fuel Economy
Horsepower
Engine
Cargo Capacity
Torque
Curb Weight
Hatchback Coupe 2D
$6,171
26 MPG
180 @ 6000 RPM
4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter
14.7 cu ft
173 lb-ft
3115 lbs
Release Series 8.0 Hatchback Coupe 2D
$11,718
26 MPG
180 @ 6000 RPM
4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter
14.7 cu ft
173 lb-ft
N/A
See Full Specs for All 2013 Scion Tc Styles
Advertisement

2013 Scion tC Depreciation

A 2013 Scion tC has depreciated $4,061 or 45% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $4,799 and trade-in value of $3,227.

Login or create a new account to see your vehicle depreciation forecast data.

Historical
historical solid line
Forecast
forecast dash line
2013 Scion tC
Compare up to 3 vehicles by logging in.

2013 Scion Tc Annual Depreciation

Year
Vehicle Depreciation*
Resale Value
Trade-In Value
2022
+ $658
$8,860
$7,990
2023
$1,235
$7,625
$6,529
2024
$1,770
$5,855
$4,374
Now
$1,056
$4,799
$3,227
Lock Icon

Unlock Forecast

2-Year Forecasted Depreciation

*Depreciation for the last 12 months of the private party resale value.

2013 Scion Tc Depreciation

Annual Depreciation is an estimation of what your vehicle's value might be over time based on an average of similar vehicles. Estimations are calculated by comparing Kelley Blue Book Private Party Values of vehicles similar to yours over time, as well as forecasts from Manheim Auction data comparing current and projected auction values against current Kelley Blue Book Private Party and Trade-In Values. This is not a guarantee of actual depreciation. Local weather conditions, market factors and driver performance will also impact your vehicle's actual depreciation.


Is this information helpful?
Learn More About 2013 Scion Tc Depreciation

Already Own This Car?

See Cars for Sale

Specifications

Dimensions, Weights & Capacities

Curb Weight
3115 lbs.
EPA Passenger
88.4 cu.ft.
Fuel Capacity
14.5 gallons
Front Head Room
37.7 inches
Front Leg Room
41.8 inches
Max Seating Capacity
5
Minimum Ground Clearance
6.3 inches
Overall Length
174.0 inches
Front Shoulder Room
55.4 inches
Trunk or Cargo Capacity
14.7 cu.ft.
Turning Diameter
37.4 feet
Wheel Base
106.3 inches
Width with mirrors
70.7 inches

Exterior

Alloy Wheels
Available
Fog Lights
Available
Moon Roof/Sun Roof
Available
Number of Doors
2 doors
Panorama Moon Roof
Available
Rear Spoiler
Available

Fuel Economy

City
23 mpg
Highway
31 mpg
Combined
26 mpg

Mechanical

Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission Type
Automatic
6 speed
Available
Recommended Fuel
Regular

Performance

Horsepower
180 @ 6000 RPM
Torque
173 @ 4100 rpm
Engine
4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter

Warranty

Basic
3 years / 36000 miles
Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / Unlimited miles

Entertainment

  • iPod Connector
  • MP3 Player
  • Premium Radio
  • Satellite Radio
  • Bluetooth Streaming Audio
  • CD Player

Interior

  • Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Window Defroster
  • Steering Wheel Controls
  • Tilt Steering Wheel
  • Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel

Seating

  • Folding Rear Seat
  • Cloth Seats

Security

  • Alarm System

Technology

  • Bluetooth Wireless Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Hands Free Phone
  • Navigation System
  • Remote Keyless Entry
  • Remote Engine Start
  • Touch Screen Monitor
  • USB Port
  • Real-Time Traffic Information

2013 Scion tC Safety

2013 Scion tC Safety Technology

  • Child Door Locks: Not available
  • Child Seat Anchors
  • Driver Airbag
  • Passenger Airbag
  • Stability Control
  • Traction Control
  • Driver Knee Airbag
  • Front Head Curtain Airbag
  • Front Knee Airbag
  • Front Side Airbag
  • Rear Head Curtain Airbag
5.0

Crash Test Rating

Provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Frontal Crash
4.0
Side Barrier
5.0
Rollover Rating
4.0
Side Crash
5.0

Compare to Similar Vehicles

Used 2013
Scion tC
Used 2014
Hyundai Elantra
Used 2015
Hyundai Veloster
Used 2013
Nissan Altima
See Details
Price
$6,171
$5,671
$5,518
$5,635
KBB.com Rating
3.6
3.4
3.5
4.3
Consumer Rating
4.4
4.1
4.1
4.1
Fuel Economy
City 23/Hwy 31/Comb 26 MPG
City 24/Hwy 34/Comb 28 MPG
City 24/Hwy 31/Comb 27 MPG
City 23/Hwy 32/Comb 26 MPG
Fuel Type
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Safety Rating
5.0
N/A
5.0
N/A
Seating Capacity5545
Basic Warranty
3 years or 36000 miles
5 years or 60000 miles
5 years or 60000 miles
3 years or 36000 miles
Horsepower
180 @ 6000 RPM
173 @ 6500 RPM
201 @ 6000 RPM
175 @ 5600 RPM
Engine
4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter
4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter
4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
FWD
FWD

2013 Scion tC Rankings

More Scion Tc News & Information

Compact Car
Scions to become Toyotas

After a 13-year run, the Scion brand will shut down and some of its product portfolio absorbed into its parent…

Bob Nagy February 03, 2016
General
2016 Scion tC Quick Take

Ever since the Scion FR-S bowed a couple of years ago, it’s been the model that has garnered the most…

Matt Degen December 08, 2015
General
2016 Scion iA to bow in New York

After months of referring to it as a new sedan, Scion announced its first-ever formal 4-door model will be called…

Bob Nagy March 18, 2015

FAQs

What is the MPG for a 2013 Scion tC?

The 2013 Scion tC is rated to return city/highway fuel economy of 23/31 mpg.

How much should a 2013 Scion tC cost?

Used 2013 Scion tC prices currently range from $6,171 for the Hatchback Coupe 2D to $11,718 for the Release Series 8.0 Hatchback Coupe 2D when purchasing from a dealership, depending on a range of factors like equipment, mileage, and condition.

What's the cheapest Scion tC?

The cheapest 2013 Scion tC is the Hatchback Coupe 2D, with a Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price of $6,171.

Is the 2013 Scion tC reliable?

The 2013 Scion tC is part of the 2nd-generation tC, which our owners give an above-average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Also from Scion

  • 2013 Scion FR-S
  • 2013 Scion iQ
  • 2013 Scion xB
  • 2013 Scion xD
Advertisement